Responding to Questions #2

My friend Keith asks...

From what I understand, your [desired ministry] destination is Antofagasta. That said, much has been done toward getting settled in Chile. You might share a) the steps that are necessary for you to get ultimately settled, b) steps that have passed already to move you forward, c) possible roadblocks we can pray for that God might eradicate, and d) are you where you expected to be, further, or slightly aft?


Here's my best shot at Keith's multi-layered question.

b.) Steps that have already passed:
1. Approval and possession of the children's Chilean ID cards.
2. Approval for David's one yr. temporary residence visa.
3. Obtaining a Chilean bank account (a tedious paperwork process)
4. The clearing of our shipping container
5. Settling in an orientation location that allows exposure to various ministries (Bible Institute, church planting, and camping)

a.) Steps necessary or still pending:
1. Our vehicle to be released from govt. red tape (it arrived back in Oct. 08)
2. More language confidence and skill (i.e. preaching/teaching without a full manuscript)
3. Obtaining David's permanent residency paperwork and Chilean ID card
4. A future meeting with our field council to confirm (or deny) that our orientation goals have (or have not) been met.
5. An understanding with our field council that a move north to establish a new ministry is God's timing.
6. Finding a house to rent/buy in Antofagasta.
7. Packing and moving...again.
8. Wildcard - meaning something unknown to us, but known to God

c.) Possible roadblocks:
1. Our own sin nature
2. The sin nature in others
3. Govt. red tape
4. Linguistic Alzheimer's ;)
4. Pressing ministry or mission needs/opportunities that could come up. For example: changes in mission personnel (deaths, furloughs, or moves).
5. The ever present Wildcard - meaning something unknown to us, but known to God.

Please note: While Antofagasta is on our hearts and we know that there is a great need there, and that we have a burden to serve there, the Lord might not lead us there in "our timetable". We have been called to preach the Gospel and we desire to be faithful to that calling and wait on the Lord for his direction, leading, and guidance in our future ministry involvements.

d.) Are you at a place in the process where you expected to be at this point?

Yes...and...No

Yes, because we knew that this orientation time would be a time for more lessons to be learned.

No, because:
1. We feel that our vehicle situation has been delayed...majorly.
2. David is about to be stretched linguistically a little bit earlier and further than he thought at this stage in the orientation process.

Thanks Keith, and I hope this has helped not only you, but others understand some additional dynamics that we face here on the mission field. Follow up questions are allowed. And for some who haven't submitted a question yet, there is still time for you.

Come back for Ashley's questions about food and hair color...